Massachusetts second-grader sent home for crucifix drawing

View full sizeThe Associated PressAn 8-year-old in Massachusetts was sent home from school after he drew a crucifix. (This one's from an exhibit at the Indianapolis Museum of Art.)Taunton, Mass. -- A Massachusetts man says his 8-year-old son was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after drawing a stick figure Jesus on a cross because the teacher thought it was too violent.

The man told the Taunton Daily Gazette for a story today his second-grader made the drawing Dec. 2 after his teacher asked children to sketch something that reminded them of Christmas.

The father, Chester Johnson, said on WBZ-TV that the teacher became upset when his son said he drew himself on the cross. Johnson says school officials overreacted.

The boy was cleared to return to school after the evaluation.

Superintendent Julie Hackett said she could not discuss an individual student and the school followed protocol.